DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY JULY 17
3.07 KILLARNEY
Nothing arrives here in better form than MIC DROP and the hat trick is a distinct possibility based on the evidence of his most recent success at Wexford.
David O’Brien’s seven-year-old began his fine run of form with a convincing win at Limerick and despite being in a much stronger race last time out, he proved equal to the task.
In a very strongly run race 17 days ago, the son of Soldier Of Fortune travelled noticeably well throughout and when sweeping to the front approaching two out, the only question he had to answer, was how far he was going to extend his lead.
Slightly out of the handicap here today, the notable services of the very useful conditional, Michael Kenneally, levels the balance and with the likelihood of Gaelic Arc making the race a solid test, he can come through at the business end to make his presence felt.
MIC DROP – 1-point win@7-2
4.10 NEWBURY
ARAPAHO GOLD might not have dipped his toe into the big pool yet, but he has come across as a horse easily capable of taking his game up a notch or two and he rates a strong choice to back up that view in this listed affair.
Gelded before making his debut at Thirsk in May, Michael Dods’ inmate impressed with the way he travelled during the five-furlong journey before easing gently clear late on and he was strongly fancied to take a step up in class in his stride at Beverley next time but a late withdrawal due being unruly in the stalls put a halt to his plans.
Back to Thirsk after missing action in June completely, the son of Bayside Boy produced another taking performance at the Yorkshire venue on his return to the fray and even though he probably didn’t beat much, the manner of his victory was the most eye-catching.
Leaving the distinct impression, he has several more gears to call upon if required, that theory will no doubt be tested against today’s opposition, but he has the physique and engine to offer up plenty of hope he will cope with the examination paper presented and he deserves to be played accordingly.
ARAPAHO GOLD – 1-point each-way@13-2
7.15 HAMILTON
Jim Goldie has an uncanny knack of improving sprinters through the grades and GANGSTA MAN is well worth keeping on side while he continues to trend in the right direction.
Rated 77 at his peak in Ireland, the five-year-old almost made the perfect start for new connections when just denied by Pilgrim in a hugely competitive heat at Musselburgh back in April and he didn’t have to wait too long to gain compensation, scoring in fine style over today’s course a month ago.
In what turned out to be a very strongly run affair, the son of Dandy Man needed every yard to get up in the closing stages and with the speed figure and subsequent form of several beaten in behind all pointing towards his performance being a smart one, a rise of just 4lb in the ratings might turn out to be way south of his true worth.
On the evidence of that display and his previous effort at Thirsk, an extra furlong won’t go amiss and considering the strong possibility of even more to come, odds around 4-1 this morning are more than fair.
GAMGSTA MAN – 1-point win@4-1
7.50 HAMILTON
PLAID couldn’t do herself full justice at Goodwood last time out due to an unfavourable soft surface but now back under more suitable conditions, James Fanshawe’s filly can prove she belongs in this sort of company.
The three-year-old filly created a favourable impression when dotting up by eight lengths over today’s track two starts ago and it was easy to see why she was fancied in many quarters to justify her connections’ bold policy of dipped her into pattern company at the Sussex venue.
Although she looked threatening three out, she ultimately didn’t see the race out as well as the first four home (blanker finish) but it wasn’t a bad effort in the scheme of things and this tall, leggy filly can prove she is much better than her current rating (89) suggests.
PLAID – 1-point win@5-1